Over the past 6–10 months or so (it’s hard to tell exactly), I got inspired by @veronica and built a static site using @11ty. Since I’m not a native speaker of web development, it was an uphill battle at times, but it was so rewarding in the end. I did need to make use of a community template as a framework, and I settled on Brewventy by @cyberseckyle. I am thankful to be able to stand on the shoulders of these giants. And, as is customary for a new blog owner, I had to write a blog post about it!

https://mathiaswright.gitlab.io/compendium/posts/how-i-made-this-website/

P.S. I’m still new to this “social media” thing, so I don’t know if it’s cool to @ random people on the internet (sorry).

#tech #webdev #website #blog #blogging #blogs #blogpost #writing #writingcommunity #gitlab #staticsite #11ty #eleventy

On my latest visit to the bookshop, I walked the stacks, waiting for a vibe to stick out to me. Nothing I have read so far has been as joyful and fun as the book I found. The Dictionary of Fine Distinctions is, at the very least, my book of the year. Eli Burnstein did an exquisite job. It was simply a delight.

For a week, I carried it in my back pocket everywhere I went because each page was a singular thought. I love books like this.

The book is a compendium of things we usually confuse for one another, conflate, or just generally don’t really know what they mean.

While I am sad that I have finished the book and ran out of the finest distinctions, it now serves a new purpose as a reference. (Also, Mr. Burnstein, I’d be first in line if you were to ever make a sequel. Consider this my most humble request. Thank you. 🙂)

Usually, I like to quote something from the book, but it's all so wonderful. So instead, here are 3-4 pages that stick out in my mind, be it interesting, funny, or strangely topical to my life: pages 24, 42, 174, and 175.

Even if you aren’t a “reader,” I humbly suggest you give this book a try. I’m positive you’ll enjoy it. And maybe, you’ll share your discoveries too.

Take care! —MJW

My full review:
“I Need More Fine Distinctions in My Life.”
https://bookwyrm.social/user/MJWright/review/8969715

For more on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions:
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL37565365W/Dictionary_of_Fine_Distinctions
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199868115-dictionary-of-fine-distinctions

#books #reading #bookreview #review #literature #humor #funny #language #linguistics #book

When I came across Woman’s Lore, I was looking into bestiaries and mythological legends for a book I'm writing. So when the subtitle caught my eye: “4,000 Years of Sirens, Serpents, and Succubi.” I leaned in and said, “Go on.”

Along with being interesting view of history, I also came to realize the social commentary aspect and how a particular lineage of myths helped shape the perception of the world and its women. From Lamashtu to Lilith, coping with loss through revenge, and mothers doing everything to protect children. It’s definitely an interesting book.

However, I had some issues with the pacing. There were times the rhythm slowed, reiterating on the myths more than I felt was necessary.

There were two chapters that stuck with me: “The Other Woman” and “The Monster Outside.” If I had to guess why, Lilith was something I wanted to learn more about. And for the other, it’s probably due to its contemporary nature—the aftershocks of the 19th century still billow through to today.

All in all, if you’re a strong reader and can push yourself through some of the slower sections, Woman’s Lore is definitely worth a read. Clegg wove a thread that I didn’t know about before, and that’s valuable.

Take care. —MJW

Check out my full review:
“A Thread Through Time.”
https://bookwyrm.social/user/MJWright/review/8858210

For more information on Woman's Lore:
https://bookwyrm.social/book/2135182/s/womans-lore
https://openlibrary.org/books/OL40323360M/Woman's_Lore
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75367019-woman-s-lore

#books #reading #bookreview #review #literature #history #mythology #folklore

Right off the bat, Elementary was a fun, enjoyable, and leisurely read. Russell turned a subject that some would perceive as a slog and instead whipped us up tasty, bite-sized pieces that are easier to chew while maintaining and communicating a whole slew of informational flavors.

I walked away from this book with more than I came with—that, in my eyes, is a success. It was worth my time, especially since I enjoyed it.

Sometimes Russell also includes some interesting fun excerpts set in little call-out boxes. One of my favorites is from Cesium, entitled Just a Second. It goes:

"If you're ever asked to give the internationally recognized definition of a second, just memorize this: in 1967, the official definition was set by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures at 9,192,631,770 cycles of the radiation that gets an atom of cesium-133 to vibrate between two energy states. Simple!"
—James M. Russell, Elementary: The Periodic Table Explained, p. 119.

In conclusion, Elementary and Russell turn the subject of the periodic table into what I can only describe as literary candy (my favorite kind of candy) instead of a heady investigation that only chemistry students would summon the willpower to complete.

—MJW

For my full review:
"A Taste of Elementary Goodness."
https://bookwyrm.social/user/MJWright/review/8838777

For more information on Elementary:
https://bookwyrm.social/book/534573/s/elementary
https://openlibrary.org/books/OL34702528M/Elementary
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45992811-elementary

#books #reading #bookreview #review #book #science #literature #chemistry